Abstraction through technology

Mar. 3, 2012

Process 18 (Object 1), 2008, a milled fiber composite created by computer-based artist Casey Reas, whose works are being exhibited starting March 9, 2012, at the BCA Center in Burlington in an exhibition titled "Process." / Photo by John Berens, published courtesy of Bitfor

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Free Press Staff

Process 14, 2008, a computer-based image created by Casey Reas using text, unique custom software, documentation prints and CDs, a computer, a projector and wood panels. It is among the works being exhibited starting March 9, 2012, at the BCA Center in Burlington in an exhibition called "Process." / hoto by John Berens, published courtesy of Bitform

Process 14 (Image 3), a computer-based work created by Casey Reas. It is among the art by Reas being exhibited starting March 9, 2012, at the BCA Center in Burlington in an exhibition called "Process." / Photo by John Berens, published courtesy of Bitfor

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In an era when people go to sleep with their smartphones or tablets, it’s more than evident that computers and technology inform our existence.

This coming week, an exhibition opens at the BCA Center in Burlington that reflects that reality of our society.

“Casey Reas: Process” focuses on the work of a UCLA professor whose artwork is computer-based and who has created an open source programming language specifically for visual artists, a BCA news release stated.

The exhibition opens Friday and runs through April 28 on the ground floor of the former firehouse on Church Street.

The Reas exhibition features software installations, prints and relief sculpture. According to the news release, Reas “uses computer algorithms to create complex, organic abstractions.” A series of his works, called “Process,” “explores the relationship between synthetic and naturally evolved systems” through prints, animations, wall fabrics, relief sculpture and interactive works, the news release stated.

Reas has had his work exhibited around the globe. He earned a master’s degree from MIT in media arts and sciences. In 2001, he created an open source programming language called Processing that allows visual artists to create images, animation and interactive work.

Burlingtonians will have the opportunity to meet the artist, who will be in residence here from March 21-23, working with local artists on what the news release calls “algorithmic art.” That visit includes a free reception and artist’s talk from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 23.

The Reas exhibition is sponsored by the Champlain College Division of Communication and Creative Media and the University of Vermont’s Office of the Vice President for Research.

To learn more about the exhibition, visit BurlingtonCityArts.org. To learn more about Reas, visit his website at www.reas.com.